Students gain an appreciation and understanding of art and culture, and build language skills by reading; developing scripts; making choices about gesture, voice, and expression; and performing traditional stories alongside art objects in the Asian Art Museum’s collection galleries.

This selection of resources introduces students to the vocabulary, techniques, and values of East Asian ink painting. Lessons and background information compliment the Brushpainting: Nature in Art school program at the Asian Art Museum.

Students will: 1.) Learn that Buddhism is a religion founded by an enlightened young Indian prince who became the Buddha. 2.) Learn how the Buddha’s birthday, a national holiday, is celebrated in Korea. 3.) Discuss how the lotus flower is symbol of purity and wisdom. 3.) Construct a lotus blossom lantern.

Students will research objects from the Asian Art Museum’s collection and choose one that they think will earn the most money in the marketplace. Then, they will create a commercial to try to sell their object to the class using evidence as to why the object/idea was considered valuable at the time.

This selection of resources introduces stories of courageous acts performed by ordinary men, women, girls, and boys. Resources support the Heroes and Sheroes storytelling school program at the Asian Art Museum.

Students will: 1.) Identify the format and elements of a sutra. 2.) Examine why sutras (the teachings of the Buddha) are important historical and religious documents. 3.) Analyze why the writing of sutras is considered an important religious act. 4.) Construct and illustrate an accordion book manuscript based on the sutra format used during the Goryeo dynasty (Korea).

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General support for education is provided by the Dhanam Foundation, the Koret Foundation, the John & Marcia Goldman Foundation, The Charles D. and Frances K. Field Fund, Dodge & Cox, and The Joseph & Mercedes McMicking Foundation. Support is also provided by an endowment established by The Hearst Foundations

Major support for the Asian Art Museum’s school programs and resources is provided by the Dhanam Foundation, United Airlines, The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, and Daphne and Stuart Wells. Additional support is provided by Ms. Jane B. Dalisay and Mr. John W. Kirkman and an anonymous donor. Teacher professional development programs are supported by Wells Fargo.